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Topic: Beekeeping (Read 1628 times)

Hi I am thinking about starting beekeeping, and want to build everything I will need. Which is the problem because I dont know what I need. I see the list of plans but there is so many, can you tell me which ones I will need?

In starting out the Kiss (keep it simple solutions) method of beekeeping is best. I would make all the boxes the same size--medium (16 1/4W X19 7/8L X 6 5/8D). Inner tops, telescopic top, slatted racks (to use instead of queen excluders), and screened bottom boards. Other than your usual protective equipment and tools that's really all you need.

You could go for the 8 frame width over the 10 frames which takes a 13 3/4 width. It's lighter and easier to handle--a definite advantage as you get older and, in my case, more decrepit.

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you build a box (a hive body) with no top or bottom. the dimensions are critical to be able to use standardized parts and maximize interchangeablility between hive bodies. the joinery used to assemble the boxes can be anything from dovetails to box joints to rabbit joints to butt joints.you then have to make frame and foundation decisions.you should build an inner cover and a telescoping outter cover.you should build a bottom board.you'll need some kind of stand to keep the hive off the ground. concrete blocks also work for this.

of course you can say to hell with all this and just build top bar hives. they require less woodworking ability and are simpler.

Then you ALWAYS need at least one spare top, bottom and several boxes. These can be used to do a split, hive a swarm, or just use them while manipulating the hives so you don't have to set the boxes on the ground.